Is Your Hearing Aid the Right Fit?

If you’re suffering from deafness and need to have assistance to improve your hearing, a hearing aid is likely to be the recommended course of action. But how do you know if your hearing aid is the right fit?

Hearing problems affect people of all ages - they can exist from birth, or they can occur during a person’s lifetime. Either way, hearing aids can be a godsend, as it’s very difficult to not be able to hear properly. There are a variety of different types of hearing aids available these days, both available through the NHS and on a private basis, and they each have their own way of being worn and fitted.

Many hearing aids are especially designed to fit your ear, so as long as the measurements are taken correctly and you know how to fit your aid, it should be the right size and be comfortable to wear. When it comes to knowing which type of hearing aid would be best for you, you’ll benefit from receiving advice from your specialist or audiologist, who’ll be able to advise according to your hearing needs and budget.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

The behind-the-ear hearing aid is one of the most commonly found types in the UK. It’s name gives a good indication of how it fits – behind the ear! An earmould is made to fit your ear, so its sized especially for you and the fit should be correct if the right measurements have been taken. The sound goes into your ear canal via the earmould. Sometimes it’s also possible for the hearing aid to be fixed onto your glasses, usually on the arm. This type of hearing aid is available via the NHS and also when bought on a private basis.

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

An in-the-ear hearing aid is, as the name suggests, an aid for deafness that goes directly into the ear. There are no parts of it that sit behind the ear and, instead, it fits into the external part of the ear. This type of aid isn’t suitable for all types of deafness, but it available on the NHS and privately. This type of aid should fit comfortably into the ear, but if yours doesn’t seem to fit properly or keeps falling out, then go back and see your audiologist.

In-the-Canal Hearing Aids

These are similar to in-the-ear hearing aids, but are a bit smaller. This is because instead of filling the entire external area of the ear, they’re designed to fit into a small part of it. This makes them a bit more of a discreet option. This aid should fit comfortably into your ear – if it falls out or is uncomfortable, then this could be a sign that it’s not a good fit.

Body-Worn Hearing Aids

With the body-worn hearing aids, a small unit is worn on the chest and wires connect it to an earmould and earphone. The benefits include better amplification and being easier to operate, but in general, this form of aid isn’t so widely used anymore.

Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Bone anchored hearing aids have come into existence in recent years. These nifty aids are fitted into the mastoid bone, which is behind the ear, during a short operation. Local anaesthetic is used to deaden the area involved and it takes about 30 minutes to be completed. A small screw made of titanium is drilled into the bone and later a plastic socket is attached to it. The hearing aid then fits onto the socket and is easy to put on and remove.

This type of hearing aid is particularly useful for people who can’t wear the more traditional aids, for example if they’ve got other problems with their ears or regularly suffer from ear discharge. As this type of aid is fitted via an operation, the fit should be designed for you. If you’re concerned about your bone anchored hearing aid, then always go back and see your doctor or specialist.

If you’re suffering from hearing problems, tinnitus, or have unexpectedly become to experience a decline in your hearing, always seek advice and help from your doctor. With the huge range of hearing aids available today, there’s likely to be a hearing solution out their to suit your individual needs and requirements.